Jose Palencia

Jose R. "Joe" Palencia, 66, left us too soon in the early morning of February 16, 2025, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Joe was a kind, generous, and thoughtful man. He was quick with a joke and would strike up a conversation with anyone and everyone. He was the first to volunteer in a tough situation and was steadfastly dependable. Joe cared deeply about his community and family and strove to improve the lives of those around him. As a dedicated and loving husband, father, friend, and community member, Joe will be missed immensely. 

Joe was born on September 25, 1958, in Bogotá, Colombia, to Maria Ligia (Salas) and Jose F. Palencia. His family moved to Manhattan, NY in 1962. His siblings affectionately referred to him as “Rabin.” Growing up, Joe enjoyed karate and baseball and remained a loyal NY Yankees fan throughout his life. 

Joe graduated from All Hallows Institute in the Bronx, NY, in 1974 and later earned his MBA from the University of Phoenix. He proudly served in the United States Navy for 22 years, achieving the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. Joe received many service awards and was named “Sailor of The Year” multiple times. He was honorably discharged in 1997.

Following his distinguished military career, he worked at Intel Corporation for 17 years. Like everything he did, Joe engaged in this job enthusiastically and wholeheartedly.

Joe was involved in various pursuits at Intel outside of his main job duties, including the Emergency Response Team, Safety, and Ergonomic programs. 

Joe met the love of his life, Wendy, in January of 1995. They shared a love of food, laughter, and travel. Joe and Wendy were married on June 20, 1997 in Rio Rancho, NM at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. They shared 27 devoted years together, enjoyed extensive world travel, and pampered their two Akitas, Kato and Hanzo. 

After his time at Intel, you could find Joe out on the Thompson Fenceline Trail with his beloved dog, Hanzo, reliably two times a day. Here, Joe knew virtually everyone on the trail and was well loved. 

Joe was an avid music enthusiast and enjoyed every genre. He was a DJ and managed a radio station during his time in the military. 

Joe was also a dedicated member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Rio Rancho. He gave selflessly never expecting anything in return. Indeed, if he were reading this he would certainly modestly smile and wish to move past the praise. 

Joe is survived by his wife Wendy Palencia; his mother, Maria Dueñas; his siblings Susana Pearson Anderson, Consuelo Palencia, Ligia Palencia, Piedad Palencia, and David Palencia; his children Richard Palencia, Adrianne Whitney, Suzette Long; his stepchildren Jacqueline Vachon and Jonathan Vachon; and his beloved grandchildren Sonny Palencia, Briella Whitney, Aliza Long, and Summer Long and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Jose F. Palencia, and stepfather, Hernan Luis Dueñas. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Animal Humane Society of New Mexico or Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.